War on Terrorism

Army Casualty

2009-11-24T17:28:00.002-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Pucino, 34, of Cockeysville, Md., died Nov. 23 in Pashay Kala, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group of the Maryland Army National Guard in Glen Arm, Md.

For more information media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 432-6005; after hours (910) 689-6187, or visit http://news.soc.mil/.

Army Casualty

2009-11-24T17:28:00.001-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Jason A. McLeod, 22, of Crystal Lake, Ill., died Nov. 23, west of Pashmul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with mortar fire. He was assigned to the 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

For more information media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-7525; after hours (719) 526-5500.

Iraqis Kill Bomb Cell Member, Detain 6 Others

2009-11-24T10:35:00.001-08:00

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 24, 2009 - Iraqi police killed a suspected bombing-cell member and arrested six others in operations over the last two days, military officials reported. Police arrested a suspect today during a combined security operation in Beiji, southwest of Kirkuk, during a search for a member of an al-Qaida in Iraq-sponsored bombing cell.

Based on preliminary questioning and evidence found at the scene, police arrested a suspected accomplice of the wanted man, who was not apprehended.

–In Mosul yesterday, federal police elements arrested five suspected vehicle-borne bomb cell members. A sixth suspect was shot and killed during the operation.

Iraqi police and U.S. advisors were searching for a suspected cell member believed to be associated with the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist organization. The suspect allegedly facilitates vehicle-bomb attacks targeting civilians and security forces in central and northern Iraq.

The team established a cordon and began searching a house in western Mosul for the suspect. During the search, a suspect fled from the building on foot. A member of the security team pursued the suspect and apprehended him. The suspect became combative and aggressively grabbed the weapon of a security team member, who shot and killed the suspect.

Police arrested five suspected associates based on preliminary questioning and evidence gathered during the operation.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)

Agency Delivers 'Taste of Home' to Deployed Troops

2009-11-24T09:58:00.001-08:00

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 24, 2009 - How do you plan Thanksgiving dinner for 180,000 people more than 6,000 miles away? If you're a food buyer at the Defense Logistics Agency, you start by making a shopping list in April for meals to be served to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Providing superb meals to our U.S. troops is a critical mission of the Defense Logistics Agency, and one we put a great deal of effort into," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott Chambers commander of the DLA Philadelphia field activity, which provides all the food for U.S. military personnel worldwide, 365 days a year.

"It's very important to us to give our troops a taste of home during the holidays, so we start planning the traditional Thanksgiving meal even before Memorial Day rolls around," Chambers said.

DLA employees in the Philadelphia-based subsistence supply chain start their Thanksgiving meal planning this early to make sure that food items and ingredients will arrive overseas in time for the holiday. Many ingredients for the meals are on hand at prime vendor locations by September, and bigger dining facilities start receiving high-volume items, such as turkeys and large beef roasts, in October.

Navy Capt. Ed Rackauskas, who leads DLA's subsistence directorate, said deliveries began in Iraq and Afghanistan in mid-October to allow for unexpected changes or possible redistribution due to movement of troops. "No matter where troops are stationed, they can expect DLA to provide the best possible meal for Thanksgiving," he added.

He said putting together these meals is challenging, particularly in supplying some of the bigger dining facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan where holiday meals are served all day to accommodate servicemembers working different shifts.

Here is a breakdown of quantities and dollar values for Thanksgiving meals for servicemembers in Iraq:

-- Raw and precooked whole turkey: 225,980 pounds, $795,359.08;

-- Turkey white meat: 77,648 pounds, $416,969.76;

-- Turkey dark meat: 73,296 pounds, $236,013.12;

-- Ham: 40,826 pounds, $135,020.26;

-- Beef: 23,536 pounds, $128,019.30;

-- Shrimp: 28,764 pounds, $180,062.64;

-- Stuffing mix: 37,107 pounds, $87,421.94;

-- Potatoes: 41,515 pounds, $102,362.32;

-- Sweet potatoes: 9,702 cans, $60,799.20;

-- Vegetables, corn, green beans: 59,435 pounds, $80,771.42;

-- Cranberry sauce: 7,188 cans, $52,448.44;

-- Pie: 26,946 pies, $245,320.33; and

-- Cake: 13,544 cakes, $220,915.68.

The total dollar value for Thanksgiving meals in Iraq is $2,741,483.49.

Here is the same breakdown for the $1,301,292.42 spent for Thanksgiving meal items for servicemembers in Afghanistan:

-- Raw and precooked whole turkey: 48,228 pounds, $121,143.96;

-- Turkey white meat: 28,235 pounds, $134,682.35;

-- Turkey dark meat: 14,112 pounds, $32,034.24;

-- Ham: 22,950 pounds, $62,424;

-- Beef: 112,467 pounds, $520,489.01;

-- Shrimp: 21,168 pounds, $140,555.52;

-- Stuffing mix: 24,706 pounds, $49,838.88;

-- Potatoes: 23,814 pounds, $19,815.60;

-- Sweet potatoes: 3,529 cans, $15,017.65;

-- Vegetables, corn, green beans: 48,397 pounds, $23,766.47;

-- Cranberry sauce: 1,764 cans, $8,869.98;

-- Pie: 24,706 pies, $126,411.76; and

-- Cake: 2,824 cakes, $46,243.

(From a Defense Logistics Agency news release.)

Forces in Afghanistan Kill Militant, Detain Suspects

2009-11-24T09:33:00.001-08:00

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 24, 2009 - Combined Afghan and international forces killed an enemy militant and detained numerous suspects in recent operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported. In Kandahar province today, a combined force detained several suspected militants, including a known Taliban facilitator responsible for the financial and logistical support of militant elements in the area.

Tips from intelligence sources led the force to search compounds near the village of Bahay Dehe Sufla, southwest of Kandahar City. The suspects were detained without resistance, and one confirmed his identity as the Taliban facilitator.

In another operation today, a combined force detained a sought-after Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and several other militants in Khost province. Tips from intelligence sources led the force to search a compound near the village of Maymad Kalay in the Sabari district. The militants were detained without resistance, and one identified himself as the Haqqani facilitator.

In an operation in Parwan province yesterday, a combined force detained a prominent insurgent leader associated with indirect-fire attacks near Bagram Airfield.

On Nov. 22 in Ghazni province, a combined force killed ane enemy militant and detained another suspected militant while pursuing a Taliban commander known to lead militant foreign-fighter elements and to be responsible for several attacks in the area.

The force searched a compound near the village of Ali Niazi in the Qara Bagh district after intelligence sources indicated militant activity. While clearing the compound, the force shot and killed an armed militant after he displayed hostile intent, then searched the compound without further incident, recovering pistols and grenades and detaining the suspected militant.

In a separate Nov. 22 operation, a combined force detained several suspected militants near the village of Kashimiri Bala in the Baraki Barak district of Logar province while pursuing a sought-after Taliban weapons facilitator operating in the area.

The force searched compounds after intelligence sources reported militant activity and recovered small-arms weapons, grenades, multiple assault rifle ammunition magazines and a military-grade night optical device.

In another operation Nov. 22 near the village of Ebrahim Kheyl, also in Logar's Baraki Barak district, a combined force detained several suspected militants while pursuing a Taliban commander linked with local senior Taliban leaders and actively operating in the area. The force targeted compounds after intelligence reported militant activity in that area. The search went off without incident, and the suspected militants were detained.

Also on Nov. 22, a combined force detained several militants in Kandahar province, one of whom is a known Taliban facilitator, reportedly linked to senior local Taliban leaders and involved with a suicide-bomber element in the area.

The force searched buildings in the Molla Alla Kalay neighborhood of Kandahar City after intelligence sources reported the facilitator to be located there. The search was completed without incident, and several militants, one of whom surrendered immediately and identified himself as the Taliban facilitator, were detained.

In an operation in Kandahar province Nov. 21, a combined force detained a group of suspected militants while pursuing a senior Taliban commander from northern Kandahar. The force searched a vehicle in Ghorak district without incident and detained the occupants for additional questioning.
–
Also on Nov. 21, a combined force in Paktika province detained two militants, one of whom was a sought-after Haqqani facilitator who was dressed in women's attire to avoid capture. The facilitator is believed to be responsible for financing and transporting weapons and fighters to other militant elements in the area.

The force targeted a compound near the village of Nasruddin Kelay in the Bermel district where intelligence sources reported the facilitator to be located, searched the compound without incident, and detained the suspected militants. Afghan members of the force immediately saw through the facilitator's disguise when they questioned him, and were able to identify him.

In a separate operation in Kandahar province Nov. 21, a combined force detained two militants, one of whom was a sought after Taliban facilitator responsible for several attacks in the area who has links to local Taliban senior leaders.

The force targeted buildings on the north side of Kandahar City where intelligence sources reported the facilitator to be located, searched the buildings without incident, and detained the suspected militants, one of whom was identified as the facilitator.

No civilians were harmed in the operations, officials said.

(Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news releases.)

Army Casualty

2009-11-24T01:08:00.001-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Briand T. Williams, 25, of Sparks, Ga., died Nov. 22, in Numaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

For more information the media may contact the Fort Benning public affairs office at (706) 545-3512; after hours, call (706) 545-2218.

New NATO Command in Kabul Focuses on Afghan Training

2009-11-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 23, 2009 - A newly established NATO command was activated Nov. 21 at Camp Eggers here, as the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan merged with the new NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan to create a unified command for the training of Afghan security forces. The multination partnership aims to foster new and existing relationships and build on the already expanding task of training and mentoring Afghan national security forces in preparation for the future security and sustainment of Afghanistan.

Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, who was tapped to lead the new NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, intends to continue focusing coalition forces efforts on Afghanistan's sustainability as a free and open society.

"Our mission is about teaming with Afghans to build a bright, dynamic future for this sovereign nation. As the...mission has evolved, so has the mindset governing our outlook and perspective," said U.S. Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, who was tapped to lead the new command. "This new mindset, a mindset that challenges us to focus on the people of Afghanistan, requires us to be agile, adaptive, culturally respectful, and innovative. With this mission, and this new mindset, the path to success for [the command] lies with 3 T's: teaming, transparency, and transition."

U.S. Commanding General Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who heads NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and more than 400 coalition soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, U.S. Defense Department civilians, joined with the Afghan ministers of defense and interior and partner nation representatives at the activation and change-of-command ceremony.

The former commander, Maj. Gen. Richard P. Formica, applauded previous successes while looking to the future with a sense of optimism and pride with the establishment of NTM-A.

"It has been my honor and privilege to serve here in Afghanistan," Formica said. "Those of us who serve here recognize the strategic importance of this mission and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to bringing stability and security to the people of Afghanistan."

Preceding the activation, an official change-of-command ceremony was held at Camp Eggers where Caldwell assumed authority from Formica.

(From a NATO Training Mission Afghanistan news release.)

Logistics Chiefs Lays Out Challenges in Afghanistan

2009-11-23T16:56:00.000-08:00

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 23, 2009 - Everything in Afghanistan – including combating improvised explosive devices – is made more difficult because the nation is at the end of a long and complicated logistics trail, Undersecretary of Defense Ashton Carter said today. Carter, who has charge of acquisitions, technology and logistics provided insight about his office during a Pentagon roundtable meeting with reporters today. He said there is no higher mission than devising ways to counter the IED threat.

"Getting things into Afghanistan, which we need to do as quickly as we possibly can do it, is very difficult," Carter said. "Next to Antarctica, Afghanistan is probably the most incommodious place to be trying to fight a war. It's landlocked, rugged, the road network is much thinner than Iraq and it has fewer airports."

Added to the challenge of supplying Afghanistan is the need to get military materiel out of Iraq on deadline, making for an incredibly complicated process.

Some of the things that have worked well in countering roadside and car bombs in Iraq -- intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles and additional infrastructure -- are more difficult to get into an austere environment like Afghanistan.

"It's not a matter of just make it and fly it over there," Carter said, citing the MRAP vehicles' need for concrete slabs as an example. "There's no place to get concrete in Afghanistan, you have to get it from Pakistan," he said. "We can produce MRAPs faster than we can introduce them to soldiers and Marines."

The soldiers and Marines need to get the vehicles, learn to drive them, learn their strengths and weaknesses and then get into the fight with them. "For want of a nail – everything is like that in Afghanistan," Carter said, noting the old proverb that underscores how lack of even the smallest things make Afghanistan a challenge.

Carter and Marine Lt. Gen. John Paxton, director of operations for the Joint Staff, are in charge of the Pentagon's new Counter IED Task Force. "When I was offered this job by Secretary [Robert M.] Gates, he said the troops are at war, the building is not and especially acquisition, technology and logistics," he said. "I've tried to change that."

Carter noted that Gates wants more efficiency in countering IEDs – the leading killer of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. "The secretary would like the department as a whole to quickly get up to the learning curve that took a number of years in Iraq," he said. "That means to bring together all the pieces that are already working on the problem."

This includes the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization; the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Task Force; the MRAP Task Force; various organizations in theater and the service labs and operators, Carter said.

"All are doing good work, but the charge is to get them all together and make the whole greater than the sum of its parts," he said.

There is no silver bullet against IEDs, the undersecretary said, and there is no one material solution. His group is looking at anything and everything that can be effective – now. "It's a six-month effort," he said. "So it is intense, and won't do something that will make us better in two years, but two, four or six months from now," he said.

The logisticians have done a great job in supplying American troops with what they need, when they need it, DoD officials said, but the next months will challenge them. Between 50,000 and 60,000 U.S. soldiers and their equipment will leave Iraq after national elections there next year. By the end of 2011, all American forces are to be out of Iraq.

Among the logistics questions that need to be answered is, does the equipment come back to the states to reconstitute the Army? Does it go to the Guard and Reserve? How much should go directly to Afghanistan? How much should stay in pre-positioned stocks in Kuwait? How much should go to Iraqi security forces?

It is not as simple as loading it aboard a ship or plane and taking it away, Carter said.

"It's quite a challenge," he said. "You have to figure out where everything goes that is going out."

Pentagon Convenes Fort Hood Shooting Task Force

2009-11-23T14:02:00.001-08:00

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 23, 2009 - The leaders of the Pentagon's review board on the Fort Hood, Texas, rampage reported for duty here today to begin their 45-day investigation to what led to the mass shooting, a Pentagon official said. The Nov. 5 shooting at Fort Hood's Soldier Readiness Center left 12 soldiers and one Army civilian dead and 30 others injured.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced Nov. 19 that the initial review board will be headed by former Army Secretary Togo West and former Chief of Naval Operations Vern Clark.

West and Clark met with their staff, which consists of representatives from each of the military services, for the first time today. They are: Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army commander; Navy Vice Adm. Michael C. Vitale, commander of Navy Installations Command; Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel; and Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Willie J. Williams, director of the Marine Corps staff.

The panel will review possible weaknesses in Pentagon policies, programs and procedures in hopes of preventing similar incidences in the future, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters.

Also, West and Clark are scheduled to meet with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates this afternoon to further outline and address his intents.

"They have a very tight timeline to operate off of," Whitman said. "It's a very ambitious task that the secretary has given them."

The terms of reference for the investigation, which was publically released today, will guide the task force in their review. The Pentagon's review is independent of the criminal investigation, as well as those by the inspector general and White House, and doesn't employ the task force to take action against people suspected of withholding information that may have prevented the incident.

According to the terms of reference, the Pentagon's review will not overlap with President Barack Obama's review of intelligence matters related to the shooting or investigations of individuals in the intelligence community.

"The charter is to look at things outside of any criminal- or liability-type review that's taking place," Whitman explained. "This is not a criminal review, [but] they'll certainly make recommendations."

The review will take a closer look at personal reliability programs, counseling programs, procedures on the handling of defense employee's adverse information, medical screening and pre- and post-deployment evaluations. It also will take into account force protection programs, emergency response policies and the functionality and adequacy of those programs, policies and procedures.

The task force's review will lead to a follow-on investigation that is expected to last four to six months, Whitman said. The more in-depth review will entail each service selecting an investigative panel that will report their findings up the chain of command to a department-level panel. The departmentwide group will assess the findings and identify changes needed in policy and procedure, as well as areas where additional resources are required.

"This effort here will largely inform what the broader, sustained efforts will be," Whitman said. "This will not be exclusively what determines the longer-sustained efforts. But all of the energy of the department is going to go into assisting these two prominent individuals in this very quick look" at the events that led to the shooting.

Gates is very confident in West and Clark to head the task force, Whitman said, adding that their history of service and compassion for servicemembers makes them more than credible and qualified.

"When you take a look at the individuals [Gates] asked to lead up this panel, these are two very prominent Americans that have a tremendous amount of experience with the United State military, and have, over their many years, established a reputation of caring about the men and women in uniform," he added.

As of now, West and Clark are not expected to be part of the follow-on review, he said. The panel's final report is due to Gates by Jan. 15.

Meanwhile, a military magistrate at Fort Hood on Nov. 21 ordered shooting suspect Nidal M. Hasan to remain in custody until the trial, which has yet to be scheduled, a Fort Hood press release issued today says. Hasan has been in custody and in the hospital since the Nov. 5 shooting.

Fort Hood officials are concerned about protecting the integrity of the judicial process, and all further updates about the criminal proceedings will be released by the Army's Criminal Investigative Division, the release says.

Marine Casualty

2009-11-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Hand, 20, of Kansas City, Mo., died Nov. 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

For additional background information on this Marine, media representatives may contact the II Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs office at (910) 451-7200.

Army Casualties

2009-11-23T11:38:00.001-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Nov. 19 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when a suicide car-bomber attacked their unit. They were assigned to the 782d Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. John J. Cleaver, 36, of Marysville, Wash.; and

Sgt. Daniel A. Frazier, 25, of Saint Joseph, Mo.

For more information the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Advisors Capture Terrorism Suspects

2009-11-22T20:39:00.001-08:00

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 20, 2009 - Iraqi security forces arrested five suspected members of the al-Qaida in Iraq and the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist groups today during three combined security operations conducted with U.S. advisors in the Iraqi cities of Ramadi, Tikrit and Kirkuk, military officials reported. Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched two buildings in Ramadi for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq leader believed to be responsible for multiple vehicle-borne bomb attacks in the region.

After questioning those in the buildings and examining evidence found at the scene, Iraqi forces arrested two suspected al-Qaida in Iraq associates.

In Tikrit, Salahuddin province police and U.S. advisors searched a building for an alleged associate of al-Qaida in Iraq and Islamic State of Iraq. Police conducted a preliminary investigation, and based on questioning conducted at the scene, arrested two individuals determined to be accomplices of the suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member.

In southern Kirkuk, an Iraqi emergency services unit and U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected Islamic State of Iraq member believed to be involved in planning and conducting vehicle-borne bomb attacks against security forces in Iraq.

Members of the Iraqi unit made one arrest without incident based on evidence found at the scene linking the arrested individual to criminal activity.

In northeastern Baghdad yesterday, Iraqi soldiers arrested a Kataib Hezbollah terrorist organization cell member during a combined operation.

The Iraqi soldiers and U.S. advisors searched a building and arrested the Kataib Hezbollah member, who allegedly leads a sniper and missiles group in addition to being part of a media cell that records attacks against security forces in Iraq.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)

U.S., Canadian Defense Chiefs Answer Afghanistan Questions

2009-11-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 20, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay met here today to discuss bilateral, hemispheric issues, but reporters' questions afterward were all about Afghanistan. In their meeting, MacKay and Gates discussed building a maritime surveillance capability, defense issues in the Arctic and security cooperation for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

But Afghanistan was in the background of all discussions. In his second-term inaugural address yesterday, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said that he wants to assume security control in his country by 2014, and Gates was asked if that was feasible.

"Our goal is to enable the Afghans to take responsibility for their own security," Gates said. "All of us who have troops in Afghanistan look for the day when we can turn over that responsibility and begin bringing our troops home."

The secretary noted that Afghans and the international community have a common interest in Afghanistan being responsible for its own security, Gates said, and the transfer of security responsibility to Afghanistan would not mean that the international community would sever all ties to the country. The nations working in the country now intend to remain engaged in Afghanistan and help the country develop governance and their economy over the long term, he added.

"We are not going to do what we did in 1989 and turn our backs on Afghanistan," Gates said. "What we would hope is that in a reasonable period of time we could begin transferring security to the Afghans as they are ready to take responsibility. Everybody's hope is that it will come sooner rather than later."

Canadian forces will continue to deploy to Regional Command South in Afghanistan through the end of 2011, but Canadian aid will continue beyond that date, MacKay said. The minister said Canada will continue to work with the United States and other NATO nations to ensure security for necessary infrastructure projects.

The Netherlands in 2010, and then Canada in 2011, will withdraw troops from the country. Both the Dutch and Canadians have had forces in Afghanistan since 2002. Gates thanked both nations for their contributions and sacrifices, and he added that NATO officials understand this is coming and are planning appropriately.

Regional Command South is clearly of critical importance in Afghanistan, both MacKay and Gates said. The area in and around Kandahar is the home turf of the Taliban. Canada is putting the counterinsurgency strategy in place in and around Kandahar city.

"We are liberating some of the villages and towns [near] Kandahar, and then holding and building, and then turning over that security responsibility to Afghan security forces," MacKay said. This classic counterinsurgency strategy has the blessing of International Security Assistance Force leaders.

More forces are needed in Afghanistan, and they don't have to be American, MacKay said.

"The United States has contributed mightily," he said. "They have been in a leadership role. But this is an international mission, and I think it is fair to say that all NATO countries will up their game and look for ways to contribute."

Nations can aid efforts in Afghanistan in any number of ways, MacKay said. "But what is needed right now, frankly, is combat soldiers," he added.

Corruption is endemic in Afghanistan, and Karzai has promised to attack it. Gates said the United States will aid that effort by making certain that aid provided by the government does not get siphoned off to line corrupt pockets.

"The place to start is where we have a direct interest and where we control the flow of dollars," he said.

Gates noted that while corruption is a big problem in Afghanistan, the situation isn't hopeless. "The reality is we have some very good ministers in Afghanistan," he said, specifically praising the ministers of interior and defense. "This is not all a bleak picture. There are some bright spots. The key is to strengthen that, and make them more widespread."

The two defense leaders did discuss hemispheric issues in their meeting, and Gates said it was past time for the two allies to get together and discuss these and other bilateral issues.

"We focused on rejuvenating the Permanent Joint Board on Defense and assigning new tasks to the board relevant to our defense dialogue," Gates said.

DOD Statement on Fort Hood Independent Review

2009-11-22T12:11:00.001-08:00

The Department of Defense today released a statement by Togo West and retired Adm. Vern Clark, co-chairs of the DoD independent review related to Fort Hood.

"In light of the shooting at Fort Hood, Secretary Gates has asked us to lead a department-wide review to ensure the safety and health of DOD employees and their families.

"The secretary has given extensive guidance on areas to be examined – areas that cover a broad range of issues, programs, policies, and procedures. Considering the scope of this review, its short deadline, and its importance to the Department of Defense, we will be focused intently on our work during this time. At the end of this process, we will be more than willing to discuss our findings.

"This task is a solemn responsibility, and one that we undertake with humility and a firm commitment to fulfill the department's – and the nation's – obligation to keep our troops, their families, and all DoD employees safe."

For additional information, media may contact OSD Public Affairs, Lt. Col. Jonathan Withington at 703-697-5131.

Gates Highlights Canada's Efforts in Afghanistan

2009-11-22T12:09:00.000-08:00

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 20, 2009 - Afghanistan was among the issues that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay discussed during a bilateral meeting here today. In a speech to the Halifax International Security Forum here, Gates recognized the contributions and sacrifices that Canadian servicemembers have made in that country.

"In Afghanistan, the Canadian military has more than distinguished itself in battle in some of the most dangerous parts of the country," Gates said.

Canada has more than 2,800 troops in the ground in Afghanistan, serving in Regional Command South, where Canadian generals have commanded the troublesome region. Canada has suffered among the highest per-capita casualty rates there, with more than 130 servicemembers killed. Canada also has contributed generously to support economic and infrastructure improvements and in building government institutions.

"It was Canadian soldiers – along with our British, Dutch, Danish and Estonian allies – who largely held the line in the south before U.S. reinforcements arrived in strength earlier this year," Gates said.

The secretary called on other allies and friends "to do what they can on behalf of this noble and necessary campaign – an effort that will ... require more commitment, more sacrifice and more patience from the community of free nations."

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News, November 20, 2009

2009-11-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

Rabies [outbreak in Bali] originated in Indonesia, not bioterrorism, says virologist [Ni Nyoman Sri Budayanti]
"The Molecular Biology Laboratory at the University of Udayana's School of Medicine has confirmed the rabies outbreak in Bali originated in Indonesia, an expert [Ni Nyoman Sri Budayanti, head of the laboratory] confirmed [, denying] reports the virus was related to international bioterrorism as previously speculated by a government official. [...] 'We assume the virus entered Bali through inter-island animal trafficking. Our study found the virus came from Flores in East Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi,' she said. Budayanti went on to say that many fishermen from East Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi took their rabies-affected dogs while they were fishing in Bali waters. [...] The increasing demand for dog meat among Balinese people may have also exacerbated the spread of the virus on the island. [...] The rabies outbreak hit Bali in November 2008 and has so far claimed 17 lives." (Jakarta Post; 19Nov09; Luh De Suriyani) http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/11/18/rabies-originated-indonesia-not-bioterrorism-says-virologist.html

World's top gene synthesis companies establish tough biosecurity screening protocol
"Five of the world's leading gene synthesis companies [that represent approximately 80 percent of the global gene synthesis capacity] announced agreement that they will apply a common screening protocol to promote biosecurity in the gene synthesis industry. By screening the sequences of synthetic gene orders and the customers who place them, the companies [Blue Heron Biotechnology, DNA2.0, GENEART, GenScript, and Integrated DNA Technologies] aim to support government efforts to prevent the misuse of gene synthesis technology. They have formed the International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC) to coordinate ongoing best practices development and to work together with governments and others concerned to promote the beneficial application of gene synthesis technology and to safeguard biosecurity. [...] The IGSC's 'Harmonized Screening Protocol for Gene Sequence & Customer Screening to Promote Biosecurity' establishes the five core components that each IGSC company will apply to promote the safe use of synthetic genes." (Earthtimes; 19Nov09; Source: PRWeb) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/worldrsquos-top-gene-synthesis-companies-establish-tough-biosecurity-screening-protocol,1054186.shtml

Group [American Association for the Advancement of Science] warns biosecurity bill [Weapons of Mass Destruction Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2009] could burden scientific research
"Mandates included in new federal legislation could impair the ability of U.S. laboratories to conduct important biodefense research, according to [the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which] earlier this month submitted a letter to the bill's [Weapons of Mass Destruction Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2009] authors. [...] The association is primarily concerned that the bill calls for the establishment of a new system of oversight and security procedures under the Homeland Security Department for certain select agents, pathogens and biological toxins declared to pose a severe threat to human or animal health. [...] Many in the biological research community have raised concerns that laboratories already must use time and resources that could be employed for research to deal with government security rules." (Global Security Newswire; 19Nov09; Martin Matishak)
http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20091119_7367.php

U.S. funds development of freeze-dried smallpox vaccine
"The United States expects to pay Danish biotechnology firm Bavarian Nordic up to $40 million to adapt its smallpox vaccine so that it can be freeze-dried, the company announced yesterday. [...] The new contract would fund preclinical and clinical studies on efforts to create a freeze-dried version of Bavarian Nordic's Imvamune vaccine. It would also be used to 'validate the new freeze-dried manufacturing process,' according to a press release. A freeze-dried smallpox vaccine could be kept longer than the existing liquid form that must be frozen for storage, Bavarian Nordic said." (Global Security Newswire; 18Nov09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20091118_2578.php

Army, contractor [General Dynamics] develop biological material detector
"The U.S. Army and defense contractor General Dynamics have signed agreements to work together on rolling out a new biological agent detector [which will use ultra violet light irradiation] for commercial use. General Dynamics' Armament and Technical Products division last week signed a cooperative research and development agreement and a patent license deal with the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center [...]. 'The commercialization of the TAC-BIO will make the device widely available to detect biological warfare threat agents to protect war fighters on the battlefield, first responders and civilians at home,' Edgewood Technical Director Rick Decker said in a statement. 'Collaboration ... will get this government-created innovation to the end-user much faster than we can use traditional means' he said. Work on the system began seven years ago [...]. [...] a prototype has been created 'that is ready for transition to the industrial sector.'" (Global Security Newswire; 17 Nov09)
http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20091117_8711.php

FDA [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] denies approval for Human Genome's anthrax drug [ABthrax]
"Human Genome Sciences Inc said the U.S. health regulators declined to approve its experimental treatment for anthrax infection. [...] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a complete response letter asking for additional information relating to its biologics license application (BLA) seeking approval of ABthrax, also known as raxibacumab. [...]. The company said [...] that the complete response letter sent by the FDA seemed 'inconsistent' with the agency's published final rule governing the development of new drugs. [...] ABthrax was developed under a government project to encourage new drugs and vaccines to fight potential bioweapons. The project was launched after letters carrying powdered anthrax [bacteria] killed five people in 2001. [...] The U.S. government had already ordered 65,000 doses of ABthrax for a national stockpile of emergency medicines. In July, the company received more than $160 million through sales of the drug to the government in the first two quarters of 2009." (Reuters; 16Nov09; Krishnakali Sengupta) http://in.reuters.com/article/marketsNewsUS/idINBNG38513920091116?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

Feds ride rails to stop bombers in their tracks
"Federal officers equipped with nuclear- and biological-weapons detectors have begun to ride the nation's rail system, including Amtrak, to prevent terrorists from hauling dirty bombs and other explosives to big-city targets, The Post has learned. The Department of Homeland Security, working with the FBI, has been quietly rolling out handheld radiological devices to specially trained Transportation Security Administration agents who are randomly fanning out aboard trains and buses and at transit hubs. [...] The small portable instruments detect radiological and biological particles emitted from materials that may be transported in baggage or personal belongings."
(New York Post; 16Nov09; Murray Weiss)
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/feds_ride_rails_to_stop_bombers_9xkvJztFSHEC0e234R8eWM

'Breeding Bio Insecurity' [a book by Edward Sylvester and Lynn Klotz] argues for change in biodefense policy
"With their new book, 'Breeding Bio Insecurity: How U.S. Biodefense is Exporting Fear, Globalizing Risk, and Making Us All Less Secure,' Edward Sylvester, an Arizona State University professor, and Lynn Klotz, a senior science fellow at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, investigate the implications of costly, complex and secretive U.S. biodefense policy. The book [...] offers readers facts and figures regarding the U.S. government's biodefense policy, and compels policymakers to justify spending and actions. The authors argue that the greatest external threat facing the U.S. comes from rogue nations conducting secret research rather than hypothetical scenarios in which people with basic skills weaponize deadly biomaterials. [...] The anthrax used against American citizens in the attacks after Sept. 11 was almost certainly stolen from Fort Detrick in Maryland, he [Sylvester] notes. 'It was the extremely lethal Ames strain, cultured by well-trained scientists. It couldn't have been grown from a soil sample in someone's basement lab or a cave somewhere,' Sylvester says. [...] The book asserts that the only way to truly defend the country from bioterrorism is through multilateral activities, such as treaties, and international cooperation on defenses against all diseases." (Physorg; 12Nov09; Source: Arizona State University) http://www.physorg.com/wire-news/19484825/breeding-bio-insecurity-argues-for-change-in-biodefense-policy.html

New [background] checks for bio-terror[ism] agent handlers
"People handling biological agents that could be used for terrorist attacks will face new background checks under a measure that has been introduced to parliament. Health Minister Nicola Roxon says the change will enhance Australia's capacity to secure biological agents of diseases such as anthrax, smallpox and the plague. They are known as security sensitive biological agents, or SSBAs. [...] The new measure would enable the federal health minister to determine that background checking of people who handle SSBAs is conducted by the Australian Background Checking Service, or AusCheck, of the Attorney-General's Department." (Brisbane Times; 19Nov09; Source: Australian Associated Press)
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-national/new-checks-for-bioterror-agent-handlers-20091119-ino8.html

Tiny chip could diagnose disease
"A tiny drop of blood is drawn through the chip, where disease markers are caught and show up under light. The device uses the tendency of a fluid to travel through small channels under its own force, instead of using pumps. The design is simpler, requires less blood be taken, and works more quickly than existing 'lab on a chip' designs, the team report in Lab on a Chip. [...] The device relies on an array of antibody molecules that are designed to latch on to the protein-based molecular markers of disease [agents] in blood. The antibodies are chemically connected to molecules that emit light of a specific colour when illuminated - but only when they have bound to the disease [agent] markers. [...] While the approach will make diagnosis cheaper, co-author Emmanuel Delamarche said the key aspect of the approach is its speed. 'We are giving back precious minutes to doctors so they can make informed and accurate decisions right at the time they need them most to save lives.'" (British Broadcasting Company; 18Nov09; Jason
Palmer)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8366405.stm

Officials receive bioterrorism training devised by Interpol
"'The UAE is not currently facing a bioterrorism threat, however preparedness is key to ensure the safety of the public, as we could easily be affected in case of such an attack elsewhere in the world,' said Colonel Ali Salem Al Khayal, Head of Interpol Abu Dhabi, at the Interior ministry. He was speaking to Gulf News on the sidelines of an Interpol training session on preventing bioterrorism, hosted by the ministry. [...] Thirty UAE officials, from various forces, including the police, rescue and emergency management, health authorities, customs, armed forces and the national emergency and crisis management authority are attending the training, which concludes on Thursday. Training sessions devised by Interpol are being delivered by experts from 11 countries." (Gulf News; 17Nov09; Rayeesa Absal)
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/crime/officials-receive-bioterrorism-training-devised-by-interpol-1.528504

Farm tractor driven through fence at Umatilla Chemical Depot [Hermiston, OR]
"A large farm tractor drove through a Umatilla Chemical Depot fence [...], and the driver abandoned it. The person responsible has not been apprehended. [...] The tractor did not get near the depot's chemical weapons storage area. [...] No damage was sustained to chemical munitions or the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility UMCDF) [which] is not processing chemical agent at this time. Depot officials notified off-post emergency operations centers in Umatilla and Morrow counties, Ore., Benton County, Wash., those in Oregon and Washington states, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality. Citizens should report any suspicious activities in and around the depot to their local police departments or the depot." (U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency; 16Nov09)
http://www.cma.army.mil/fndocumentviewer.aspx?docid=003681887

Russian [chemical weapons disposal] site [Maradykovsky facility in the Kirov Region] finishes disposal of sarin nerve agent
"A Russian chemical weapons disposal site has finished elimination of 232.6 metric tons of the nerve agent sarin [...]. The Maradykovsky facility in the Kirov Region destroyed 4,866 munitions filled with the chemical warfare material. Progress has also been made in preparations to begin disarmament operations for a cache of munitions filled with a mixture of mustard and lewisite blister agents. There are 150 metric tons of the material waiting for disposal. 'The facility has completed the construction of a line for the destruction of mustard-lewisite mixture,' said the Kirov Region government in a statement. 'In late November, hook-up and commissioning work will start at the line, testing the technology for destroying this toxic substance.' Full chemical weapons destruction at Maradykovsky is expected to be finished by 2012." (Global Security Newswire; 19Nov09; Source:
Interfax)
http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20091119_8050.php

Mustard gas men gain recognition
"Three RAAF armourers who risked their lives working with mustard gas in Glenbrook during World War II returned to the village last Wednesday to unveil a plaque commemorating the men who worked on the top secret project. Geoff Burn, Doug Bain and Arthur Lewis were the guests of honour at the special Remembrance Day ceremony at Panthers Glenbrook. Now in their mid-80s, the men worked with secret stockpiles of mustard gas in a disused Glenbrook railway tunnel during World War II but struggled for decades to gain formal recognition for their role in the war effort. [...] 'Many of the health issues that were faced throughout that period continue to be faced by many of the men that were involved in that unit today,' said Mr Bradbury. The Labor MP paid tribute to historian Geoff Plunkett who helped lift the lid on the secret mustard gas unit with his 2008 book on Australia's chemical warfare history." (Blue Mountains Gazette; 18Nov09) http://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/news/local/news/general/mustard-gas-men-gain-recognition/1680969.aspx

Cell phone sensor aims to crowd source chemical attack information
"NASA scientists have developed a new chemical sensor that allows iPhones to identify low airborne concentrations of chemicals including ammonia, chlorine gas and methane. The postage-stamp sized chemical sensor was developed by Jing Li, a Physical Scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center in California. The project was developed with other researchers as part of Homeland Security's Cell-All program, which was created to put more mobile sensors in the hands of every cell phone user. [...] The sensor, it is hoped, could be used to alert first responders to the presence of a chemical agent stemming from an accident or attack. The device would work even if the cell phone user loses consciousness from the chemical's presence." (Bio Prep Watch; 17Nov09; Nick Rees) http://www.bioprepwatch.com/news/210959-cell-phone-sensor-aims-to-crowd-source-chemical-attack-information

Honduran Foreign Ministry declared CWC [Chemical Weapons Convention] national authority
"The Foreign Ministry of Honduras has been selected to manage implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention in the country [...] The convention requires that all member states establish or designate a national authority to manage contact with other CWC member nations and with the Hague-based organization that monitors compliance with the pact. [...] Honduras in 2005 joined the pact that prohibits development, production, stockpiling, transfer or use of chemical warfare materials such as mustard blister agent and the nerve agents sarin and VX. All but three of the 188 member nations to the Chemical Weapons Convention had set national authorities [...]." (Global Security Newswire; 09Nov09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20091106_4701.php

Drill tests nuclear plant's [Duane Arnold Energy Center] crisis plan [Linn County, IA]
"Linn County emergency planners got a call that there was a fire at the Duane Arnold Energy Center just north of Palo. As the training drill went on, the 45 people at the agency's office learned that the fire had caused a steam leak outside the plant. They would have to evacuate 18,000 students from area public schools. To make things worse, a train had 'derailed' at the intersection of Blairs Ferry Road and Interstate 380. [...] The plant hasn't seen a real emergency over its 35-year history, but that doesn't mean something like this couldn't happen. 'We do this to make sure that communications flow and internal and external orders are coordinated and so that information and equipment orders flow the way they're supposed to,' said Mike Goldberg, Linn County's Emergency Management Agency coordinator. [...] Goldberg said coordinating information and orders among federal, state, county and local authorities isn't easy, but as the flood of 2008 showed, it is essential in a crisis." (iStockAnalyst; 19Nov09;
Source: Gazette - Cedar Rapids)
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3650431

Homeland security misses self-imposed schedule to certify new radiation detectors
"The acting head of the department's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office said in June that Homeland Security would sign off this fall on two congressionally mandated certifications for the Advanced Spectroscopic Portal monitor system. 'October is kind of our notional date right now,' Chuck Gallaway told the House Homeland Security Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology Subcommittee. A department spokeswoman last week said testing and evaluation of the monitors is 'still ongoing.' [...] Department officials have said they hope to deploy 1,400 of the new machines at a cost of roughly $1.2 billion to detect materials that could be used in a radiological or nuclear weapon. The department has already spent roughly $230 million on the effort, with each sensor [is] expected to cost approximately $822,000. The United States has spent more than $3 billion since 2002 to field devices intended to detect radioactive material being smuggled through border crossings with Canada and Mexico or through seaports." (Global Security Newswire; 17Nov09; Martin Matishak) http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20091117_8921.php

Abused wife [Amber Cummings] pleads guilty in husband's [James Cummings] shooting [Rockland, ME]
"A 31-year-old woman [Amber Cummings] faces no more than a year behind bars after pleading guilty to domestic violence manslaughter for fatally shooting her sleeping husband [James Cummings] [...] Cummings told police that her husband was a white supremacist and was plotting to build so-called dirty bombs and set them off during President Barack Obama's inauguration. Radioactive materials were removed from their home after his death, but authorities said there weren't enough to make a dirty bomb and that the public was never at risk."(Nashua Telegraph; 16Nov09; Source: AP) http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/News/StateNewEngland/437230-227/abused-wife-pleads-guilty-in-husbands-shooting.html

TV show on 'dirty bomb' hitting Portland offered good advice
"On Thursday, National Geographic aired a one-hour special depicting the impact of a 'dirty bomb' attack in Portland. While dirty bombs – which use conventional explosives to disperse radioactive material – are fearsome, it is important to know that the U.S. government and the average citizen have tools to effectively prevent and respond to such a scenario. Through the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and our National Laboratories, the federal government has the world's best nuclear experts working to prevent and respond to nuclear terrorism. [...] Our teams would deploy and gather and share the critical information and provide medical advice for all types of radiation exposure. With state-of-the-art computer modeling, aerial surveillance and radioisotope identification, NNSA would provide crucial information to first responders to help them disseminate information to the community. [...] Do not self-evacuate without direction or it may increase the risk for you and your family. A dirty bomb would likely not release enough radiation to kill or cause severe illness to those unaffected by the immediate blast area." (Portland Press Herald; 13Nov09; Joseph Krol)
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=295721

Increasing likelihood of terrorist getting hands on N[uclear]-arms: [U.S. Secretary of State Hillary] Clinton
"Warning that there is an increasing likelihood of terrorists getting their hands on nuclear weapons if preventive measures are not taken now, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that too much of the world's atomic material remains vulnerable to theft or diversion. [...] Clinton said that in the early days of the atomic age, a handful of powerful countries could effectively set non-proliferation strategy. 'But in today's changing world, with information and technology leaping across borders, industrial capacity more widely distributed, and non-state actors wielding increasing influence, it will require unprecedented international cooperation,' Clinton said and suggested that the UN atomic watchdog IAEA be given more teeth. [...] 'The most effective way to reduce the threat of nuclear terrorism is to ensure that nuclear materials that can be used to build weapons are well protected against theft or seizure. 'That is why the United States has proposed a plan to secure all vulnerable nuclear material worldwide within four years -- a plan that has now won the endorsement of the UN Security Council,' Clinton said." (Economic Times; 30Oct09)
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Increasing-likelihood-of-terrorist-getting-hands-on-N-arms-Clinton/articleshow/5180830.cms

Poison conviction contested: Expert witness in ricin trial [of Kenneth Olsen] was later fired
"A Spokane Valley man [Kenneth Olsen, a former computer programmer and part-time massage therapist] serving 10 years in federal prison for making a deadly chemical poison is asking to have his conviction overturned because one of the government's expert witnesses was later fired for misconduct in other criminal cases. [...] Olsen is scheduled for a Jan. 29 hearing on his request to set aside his 2003 jury conviction for making ricin. The conviction has been upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, although his original sentence was remanded and reduced." (Spokesman-Review; 19Nov09; Jim Camden) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/nov/19/poison-conviction-contested/

Biomedical scientists develop new anti-toxin
"Researchers at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) in Wiltshire have been working on a substance to combat the effects of ricin poisoning. [...] the institution's Dr Jane Holley revealed they have succeeded in coming up with the first anti-toxin that has gone into production. She commented: 'In the past there has been lots of research carried out using different methods.' However, never before has this been translated into production techniques, the expert added. The principal scientist in biomedical sciences at DSTL - which is an agency of the Ministry of Defence and aims to supply impartial, scientific and technical research to the government - said the product should be available within the next couple of years." (Mediplacements; 12Nov09; Alex Franklin Stortford) http://www.mediplacements.com/article-19457193-biomedical_scientists_develop.html

Chairs of three [counter terrorism] Security Council Committees aimed at countering terrorist threat, monitoring related sanctions, brief council on progress since May
"Terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-state actors continued to be a threat to international peace and security, and cooperation was a crucial element in the efforts to counter that threat, Ranko Vilovic [chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee] (Croatia) told the Security Council [...while] speaking on behalf of the three Committees established to enforce the Security Council's counter-terrorism measures and related sanctions [...] resolution 1267 (1999) on Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions; and resolution 1540 (2004) on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. [...] Jorge Urbina (Costa Rica), Chairman of the 1540 Committee which aimed at preventing weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of non-State actors, said that his Committee was conducting a comprehensive review, and representatives of industry, academics and non-governmental organizations also had an opportunity to give input on such topics as the impact of the resolution; [...] The Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities, Thomas Mayr-Harting ( Austria), noted that the threat from those organizations still persisted." (United Nations Department of Public Information; 13Nov09) http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2009/sc9788.doc.htm

Funding secured for second New York protection ring
"An antiterrorism system featuring chemical-agent sensors and other high-tech security devices is expected to encircle midtown New York City by 2011. The security ring, similar to one currently in place in lower Manhattan, is being supported by $24 million in funding from the U.S. Homeland Security Department. Lower Manhattan's security ring is modeled after London's so-called 'Ring of Steel,' and involves cameras and license-plate readers that relay data and images to a command site in the Financial District. [...] An additional $40 million in federal funds are still being sought by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to finish preparing the system's detection program." (Bio Prep Watch; 20Nov09; Nick Rees) http://www.bioprepwatch.com/news/211005-funding-secured-for-second-new-york-city-protection-ring

D.C. National] Guard Civil Support Team show off for Homeland Security Secretary [Janet Napolitano]
"The District of Columbia National Guard's 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team [CST] [consisting of experts in dealing with weapons of mass destruction] showcased their equipment for the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and other senior DHS officials [...] 'One of the important things we did today was to show the secretary what we can do in a WMD incident ... and if she needs to call on the Guard to assist first responders, she can be confident that the Guard is there and is well prepared,' he [Army Lt. Col. Keith Bauder, the CST program manager for the National Guard Bureau] said.
[...] Among the teams' many real-world missions last year were the Democratic National Convention, flood recovery in Iowa, the presidential inauguration, the G-20 Summit and multiple 'white powder' incidents." (Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System; 18Nov09; MSgt Mike Smith)
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=41741

GE [General Electric Co.] develop wearable sensors [that alert people to chemical weapons and disease agents]
"GE Global Research, the technology development arm of General Electric Co., said [...] it will get $2 million federal grant to develop wearable sensors that alert people to chemical weapons and diseases [sic]. Radio-frequency identification sensors are commonly used to track materials, including in baggage at airports. GE's sensors would combine the tracking capability with gas sensors that could detect harmful chemicals in the air. Because they can be smaller than a penny, GE says the sensors could be integrated into identification badges or serve as part of warning systems. GE said it also will develop sensors that can analyze breath and pick up early signs of diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The grant is from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, which is part of the National Institutes of Health." (ABC News; 17Nov09; Source: Associated Press)
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9109879

Japan beefs up security ahead of Obama visit
"Japan has beefed up security ahead of a visit by US President Barack Obama and the 20th anniversary of Emperor Akihito's accession to the throne [...] The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department reportedly plans to deploy about 16,000 officers in the capital when Obama arrives [...] It will be the highest level of security since Japan hosted a summit of the Group of Eight major economies on northern Hokkaido island [...] when around 20,000 police were deployed in Tokyo alone. Police have set up checkpoints near the US embassy to inspect suspicious vehicles, while anti-riot police were patrolling near Tokyo's Yokota Air Base, where an explosive device was reportedly found last month. Police have sealed off manhole covers and put extra officers on duty at subway stations, which were targeted by a doomsday cult using Sarin nerve gas in 1995 in an attack that killed 12 people and injured thousands. Demonstrators plan to stage a rally Friday and march near the US embassy and the prime minister's office against the US military presence on the southern island of Okinawa [...]. [Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi] Hirano said the government had received no information indicating a security threat but was taking precautionary measures." (Agence France Presse; 11Nov09) http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hSnfPl8mWK0UHq1tQkwqPC8GEmJg

Subversion trial [over an alleged terrorist organization] puts cloud over Turkey
"In thousands of pages of indictments of stunning complexity, prosecutors allege that an underground organization named Ergenekon has committed dozens of terrorist acts and ultimately sought to topple Turkey's Islamic-inspired government. Since June 2007, when 27 hand grenades, other explosives and illegal documents were found in the attic of an ultranationalist retired officer's house in an Istanbul shantytown, more than 300 suspects have been detained. [...] Prosecutors contend that the group planned to engage in civil unrest, assassination and terrorism to create chaos and undermine the stability of Turkey to provoke a coup. [...] Mr. [Gareth] Jenkins [a Turkey specialist working for the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, a Washington research institute affiliated with Johns Hopkins University] said the indictment also maintained that investigators had uncovered evidence that the 'Ergenekon Terrorist Organization' planned to 'manufacture chemical and biological weapons and then, with the high revenue it earned from selling them, to finance and control every terrorist organization not just in Turkey but in the entire world.'" (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; 13Nov09; Dan Bilefsky; Source: New York Times)
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09317/1013222-82.stm

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

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DOD Announces Military Commissions Actions

2009-11-21T08:21:00.001-08:00

Today, prosecutors in the Office of Military Commissions announced they intend to ask the convening authority to refer new charges under the recently-enacted Military Commissions Act of 2009 against Abd al-Rahim Hussein Muhammed Abdu al-Nashiri, in connection with the bombing of the USS Cole in the port of Aden, Yemen, in October 2000. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 17 sailors and injuries to many more.

This announcement follows the attorney general's determination on Nov. 13, 2009, that a military commission was the proper forum for prosecution of al-Nashiri.

The prosecutors are reviewing this and other cases identified by the attorney general as appropriate for trial in a military commission and anticipate making further announcements soon.

As part of the process of moving forward with the prosecution of al-Nashiri, on Nov. 19, 2009, in response to a request from the prosecutors, the convening authority dismissed without prejudice the pending charges against al-Nashiri. This dismissal without prejudice is a procedural action permitting new charges to be referred at a later time.

A charge is merely an accusation; an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Iraqi Engineers Prepare to Work Independently

2009-11-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

By Army Sgt. Benjamin R. Kibbey
Special to American Forces Press Service

Nov. 20, 2009 - A Basra, Iraq, native brings 50 years of experience as an architect, a master's degree and a resume that reads like a travel guide ranging across Europe and the Middle East and even Japan to his job as leader of the Iraqi facilities engineering team here. Abrahim M. Oda al-Timimi leads six other Iraqi electrical, civil and mechanical engineers hired to take over the job of the U.S. Air Force's facilities engineering team.

Timini's team will oversee quality assurance and control for all facilities, utilities and construction on the base in a capacity that's the military equivalent of city planners. And the small city that is Contingency Operating Base Basra is more complex than many would guess. The base has full sewage, water and electrical systems, roadways that are constantly being adapted and improved, and any number of ongoing construction projects.

It's a good-sized job, and the current facilities engineering team has taken time and effort to make certain it is one the Iraqi team is ready to take over before they leave in the next few weeks and the new military team comes in.

Members of the Air Force team started training the Iraqi engineers on military regulations, customs and courtesies, as well as U.S. environmental standards, in October, said Air Force 1st Lt. Joe Gallegos, an electrical engineer with the 150th Civil Engineering Squadron out of Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. Now, he added, the Air Force is stepping back.

The Air Force team now acts primarily in a support role to the Iraqi team, providing consultation on American and military particulars and making certain the Iraqi engineers have everything they need, even such basic things as office supplies and furniture.

"The goal is that the Air Force [team] would never have to come back, and that the Iraqi [team] would be able to do everything," Gallegos said. "We're trying to work ourselves out of a job, basically."

But as contractors, the Iraqi team cannot do some things, and even when the next – and last – Air Force team leaves in about six months, the Iraqi engineers will have a military officer to whom they can take their issues.

Still, with local contractors doing much of the work around the base, the Iraqi team can do some things that would be more difficult for their military counterparts. The Iraqis have language barrier to overcome, and Timini and his colleagues know how to get materials locally, allowing them to propose cost-saving alternatives.

But cost isn't always the primary factor. Standing in their office Nov. 14, members of the Iraqi facilities engineering team examined electrical outlets a contractor provided as samples. They looked OK on the surface and had "Made in UK" printed on the outside, but they lacked the necessary markings and certifications to meet U.S. Army standards. Achmed, an electrical engineer who asked that his last name not be used, rejected them without hesitation.

Achmed also is responsible for the electrical work in containerized housing units being refurbished at Logistics Support Area Anzio, where the local contractor is turning out eight finished trailers per day.

"We calculate the load," Achmed explained, "and then check the circuit boards, wiring and sockets for each trailer." He said he considers all the items that might be used in the units, from lights and electronics to coffee makers and mini-refrigerators. He then directs the contractor to make any changes the trailers need and provides the requirements the parts must meet.

The series of numbers and letters on a socket tell a variety of things about the part, he said, including its resistance to water. For a housing unit, a certain level is acceptable, he explained, but the same socket cannot be used in a shower trailer.

The base hospital, a short drive away, will be getting an overhaul of its electrical supply.

"This is our spaghetti," Achmed said, pointing to a tangle of cables running out of the generators behind the combat support hospital. The cables were the "field expedient" solution when the hospital was first installed. "They are overloading the cables," Achmed said, "because they didn't know which cable is going where."

Short cables were plugged into each other in place of long cables, and the connections are susceptible to water getting into them. The temporary remedy is obvious at a glance: several connections have been wrapped with bags and tape, already ragged from the weather. Most remain completely exposed.

The cables themselves are sound, Achmed said, so the team will not have them completely replaced. Instead, working in stages so as to not interrupt the operations of the hospital, they will test each cable and have the contractor replace the sockets with straight joints sealed against moisture.

Once that is done, Achmed explained, trenches will be dug and the cables will be arranged and properly buried or secured, allowing anyone who comes after them to know immediately which cable is which.

Hours later, on the other end of base at Camp Charlie, Mustafa Muhamed Atu al-Haidary, a civil engineer, explains the role he plays as a surveyor. In simplest terms, he collects data. However, the data is anything but simple.
Mustafa checks the levels of the land, records every angle of the area, as well as the width, length and even the GPS coordinates, he said. He also takes down the measurements of any existing buildings and includes the structural and landscape changes to be made.

Jalil Dheyab, a civil engineer, pointed out the importance of surveying at the Anzio site.

"In getting the survey for us, it sometimes takes two or three days," he said, "but it actually saves time and money." At Camp Charlie, Mustafa reiterated the point.

"Without a database, that means you are floating," he said, his hands gesturing a limbo of uncertainty.

Once all of the data is collected, Haitham Abood al-Hayati, a mechanical engineer, turns the numbers into visual plans -- Mustafa turns the site into numbers, Haitham turns the numbers into a plan, and then Mustafa sees that the plan is turned into a reality. Their partnership is somewhat like a marriage, Haitham joked.

The Iraqi team members said they enjoy working with U.S. forces, and Mustafa even made a crack about grabbing onto the treads of the U.S. vehicles and hitching a ride at the final drawdown.

Haitham's story is one many soldiers on deployment may find familiar. With limited time off and a wife who works a good distance across the country, he will go months without seeing the woman he married only this year, he said. The couple is working to develop a base of funds for their future, but that is not easy in Iraq, he added.

Jalil, who has been working alongside Americans in Iraq since 2004, is preparing for an Internet-based English test, and with family in America already, he said, he hopes to go to the United States, become a citizen, and then return to Iraq to help in rebuilding the country.

Abrahim said he is not certain what he will do in the future. He is 68 now, and has a daughter who is a successful architect in her own right in Poland, where he studied for his master's degree. He said he has considered moving to Canada or the United States, but that it ultimately comes down to what work remains to be done in Iraq.

"If I go to Poland, what can I do but just sit?" he asked.

(Army Sgt. Benjamin R. Kibbey serves in Multinational Division South.)

Afghan Troops Get Vehicle Egress Training

2009-11-20T10:43:00.001-08:00

By Air Force Senior Airman Evelyn Chavez
Special to American Forces Press Service

Nov. 20, 2009 - Afghan National Army soldiers got their first Humvee egress assistance training at Forward Operating Base Thunder here Nov. 16. The training is a newly added supplement to recent training offered to Afghanistan's 203rd Corps soldiers that teaches students hand and arm signals, basic driving principles and road rules.

"This was good training for us," one Afghan soldier said. "The teachers taught us a lot of things during the three weeks, and if something happens we will know what to do."

The egress training covers the effects of vehicle rollovers and includes drills in reacting properly during a rollover or if an emergency egress is required.

Each student conducted numerous rollover drills, each with a slightly different scenario. The egress training not only familiarizes soldiers with procedures, but also reinforces the importance of seat positioning and wearing seatbelts, and demonstrates the feeling of disorientation that occurs during a rollover.

"This training is going to benefit the [Afghan army] by helping save lives in the event these soldiers encounter dangerous rollovers or dangerous vehicle turnovers as they do in field operations," said Army Lt. Col. Jack Parker, operations officer for the Combined Joint Task Force 82 tactical command post, which is partnered with the 203rd Corps.

(Air Force Senior Airman Evelyn Chavez serves with the Combined Joint Task Force 82 public affairs office.)

Forces in Afghanistan Kill Militant, Detain Suspects

2009-11-20T10:37:00.001-08:00

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 20, 2009 - Afghan and international forces in Afghanistan killed an enemy militant and detained several terrorism suspects today, military officials reported. A combined Afghan-international security force killed an enemy militant in Takhar province while pursuing a facilitator for the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist organization who is responsible for financing militant activities and transporting foreign fighters into the region.

The force searched a compound in the rural Bangi district east of Kunduz City. During the search, the enemy militant displayed hostile intent and was killed. The search was completed without further incident.

There has been an increased presence of Uzbek fighters in northern Afghanistan, and a number of foreign fighters within the Taliban ranks who are from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, International Security Assistance Force officials said.

In a separate operation today, an Afghan and international security force detained several suspected militants in Khost province while pursuing a reputed Haqqani terrorism network commander suspected of having links to several local senior Haqqani leaders.

The force searched a compound near the town of Zambar in the Sabari district without incident, recovered several assault rifles and bolt-action rifles, and detained three suspected militants.

Also today, a combined force in Wardak province detained a suspected militant during a search of several compounds near the village of Darmandyan in Nerkh district known to be used by a Taliban facilitator reportedly responsible for numerous small-arms and roadside-bomb attacks in the area.

No civilians were harmed in any of today's operations, officials said.

(From an International Security Assistance Force news release.)

Navy Casualty

2009-11-20T10:31:00.001-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian M. Patton, 37, of Freeport, Ill., died Nov. 19 in Kuwait in a non-combat accident.

For further information related to this release, contact commander, Navy Reserve Forces Public Affairs (757) 322-5652 or Doug.Gabos@navy.mil .

Clinton Stresses Mission's Importance to Troops in Afghanistan

2009-11-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Tabios
Special to American Forces Press Service

Nov. 20, 2009 - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urged international forces here yesterday to help President Hamid Karzai realize the vision for Afghanistan he expressed earlier in the day when he took office for his second five-year term. Clinton, who was in Afghanistan to attend Karzai's inauguration, spoke to troops at the newly established International Security Assistance Force Joint Command.

The secretary praised Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal and Army Lt. Gen. David Rodriquez for their leadership of the international military effort in Afghanistan, and she thanked U.S. and international servicemembers for their work to move Afghanistan ahead.

"I know the work that is done every single day is done by all of you, in every aspect of this mission," she said. "I know we've got some of our allied partners here, and I want to thank all of them for representing their countries and being a part of this extraordinary international effort."

The secretary emphasized to the troops the importance of their mission.

"This is a mission that is important to the United States and to those who have joined us in it," she said. "It is a mission that partners with the people and government of Afghanistan against a common enemy that poses a threat not only to people here but people back at home or wherever you come from. We have to do everything we can to create the capacity of the Afghan government and the Afghan people to protect themselves."

Clinton shared Karzai's vision for his country as expressed in his inaugural address, and urged the troops to do their part to make that vision a reality.

"To take the lead and take the fight the enemy is what he said he wanted to see happen," she said, "and the only way that can happen is by the work that you do -- the training, mentoring and support that you give to your Afghan counterparts. We are going to be giving you the kind of encouragement that you need to be able to deliver the goal that President Karzai set for Afghanistan."

Air Force Lt. Col. Bob Dreyfus of Las Vegas said the secretary's message came through loud and clear.

"The most important part of her speech was explaining Afghanistan taking control of their government and moving forward," he said. "The time frame that they set out, I thought, was very significant, beyond her recognition of our service. It was a brief and concise message, and I was very impressed."

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lucia Munoz of Calexico, Calif., said Clinton's visit brought comfort to servicemembers here that what they do on a daily basis is worthwhile.

"It's amazing to see her over here, so far away," Monoz said. "They have not forgotten about us, and it is very important for me to know that they care that we are here."

Clinton also took time to recognize the sacrifices servicemembers' families are making.

"I know that serving here is challenging, [and] there are a lot of sacrifices, particularly not being able to see your family and friends for long periods of time," the secretary said. "I really appreciate your willingness to serve, but I also know for everybody who serves, there is a family that serves as well. I hope that when you e-mail, call or write, you let them know that I am grateful for their service." It was a message that resonated with the servicemembers here, regardless of their nationality.

"I like what she said about what we are all doing here in Afghanistan, but the most important thing was the family link," said Capt. Yann Frenkel of France's air force. "When you are far away -- six, seven or eight months -- you don't know, but it is important to keep contact by phone or Internet. She spoke not only as a politician, but as a mother."

Clinton ended her visit by giving all troops a holiday message.

"I want to especially wish you a happy Thanksgiving," she said. "There are a lot of things I'm grateful for and that the American people are grateful for, and at the top of my list is all of you. "Thank you again, and God bless you and God bless the USA."

(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Tabios serves with the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command public affairs office.)

Gates Shares Views on Guard's Role in Iraq, Afghanistan

2009-11-20T09:40:00.001-08:00

By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
Special to American Forces Press Service

Nov. 20, 2009 - Though the National Guard has a role in reconstruction missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, it's a temporary one, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told an audience at the Joint Senior Leadership Conference at the National Harbor yesterday. "I think this is basically a civilian task, and we ought to be there to help them," Gates said. "We ought to be there when we're in a situation like Afghanistan -- where the security may not be as strong enough for civilians to go in -- to have people in there working on agricultural development and so on as the first phase so that we aren't waiting too long to begin showing people ways in which their lives can improve on a daily basis."

Gates said he believes that effort should involve projects that can be done quickly and can show people that their lives have changed for the better by having troops in their village. "My own view is we need to be very cautious about some of the big projects that people think about for development," he said.

Gates suggested that building a well, an all-weather road for local farmers, a bridge or a one-room schoolhouse would be appropriate projects. "You can do a lot of these small projects within the framework of the dollars that we have available," he said. "But the most important thing about them is that the Afghans see them, and the local Afghans see their lives getting better because we're there."

The first stage of that effort, he said, can be done by military forces and especially by the National Guard. "But longer term," he added, "that mission has to go to the civilian side of the government."

Gates said correct sequencing is the key to these missions, noting the approach Army Gen. David H. Petraeus used when he commanded coalition forces in Iraq.

"As soon as we've cleared an area -- literally the next day or the same day -- we need somebody in there with some money and some capability that begins putting young men to work and putting a shovel or a broom in their hands instead of a gun," he said. "And it seems to me that's often the situation where the Guard and the expertise in the Guard can provide the initial response in areas in Afghanistan until the security situation is stabilized enough for the civilians to come in."

For almost two and a half years, Gates has said he believes the government's civilian experts in these areas have been neglected for too long. When he retired as director of central intelligence in 1993, Gates said, the U.S. Agency for International Development had about 16,000 employees who deployed around the world to provide expertise in agricultural development, rule of law, governance and irrigation systems.

"It was an expeditionary agency," he said. "They expected to live in primitive conditions, and they expected to have situations that were occasionally dangerous. And that was part of their career, and that was part of what they wanted to do with their lives."

USAID now has about 3,000 employees, and it's mainly a contracting agency, Gates said. "So, we've lost that civilian capacity that played such an important role for us in the developing world all through the Cold War."

Under the last two administrations, Gates said, the State Department is beginning to get the kind of funding that's needed to rebuild these capabilities, "but it's still a ways in the future and, in my view, there has to be a role" for these civilian experts.

The upcoming Quadrennial Defense Review has the development of partnership relationships in helping other countries to build their capacity as one of its central themes "so we don't have to send soldiers" to those countries, the secretary said.

Gates said the military also will have a role. He noted that relationships that exist between the National Guard and other countries in the State Partnership Program can help in building this capacity.

"Every time I meet with a minister of defense of a country where we have those kinds of relationships, they bring it up with me," he said.

(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)

Army Casualty

2009-11-20T00:07:00.000-08:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Joseph M. Lewis, 26, of Terrell, Texas died on Nov. 17 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

The incident is under investigation.

For more information the media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at 253-967-0147 or 0152.

LEGAL ISSUES SURROUNDING MILITARY COMMISSIONS

2009-11-19T16:32:00.001-08:00

See "Legal Issues Surrounding the Military Commissions System," House Judiciary Committee, July 8, 2009: http://www.fas.org/irp/congress/2009_hr/milcomm.html

And "Proposals for Reform of the Military Commissions System," House Judiciary Committee, July 30, 2009: http://www.fas.org/irp/congress/2009_hr/milcomm2.html